Tipperary edged out their Clare hosts by a point in an entertaining senior hurling challenge at the official opening of the Clonlara GAA facilities last night.

Seamus Callanan was the star man for the winners, hitting 1-8 in an impressive display and his accuracy helped the Premier County to a two points interval lead (0-9 to 0-7).

Callanan had 1-1 within two minutes of the restart as Tipperary began to pull clear. But Davy Fitzgerald’s men never buckled and even though they conceded another goal, in the 55th minute from Noel McGrath, they tagged on some good points to remain in touch.

A goal by Clare sub Colin Ryan from a 20m free with five minutes remaining kept them in contention. Ryan had another effort deep in injury time to snatch the win but this attempt flew over the bar.

Scorers for Tipperary: S Callanan (1-8, 3f, 2 65’s), N McGrath (1-0), S Curran (0-3), D Collins (0-1).

Scorers for Clare: C Ryan (1-3) 1-2 f’s, J Conlon (0-6) f’s, B O’Connell, J Clancy, D Keane, D O’Donovan, C Morey, C Cooney (0-1) each.

TIPPERARY: D Gleeson, D Maher, J Coughlan, C Coughlan, T Stapleton B Stapleton, S McGrath, J Woodlock, J Ryan, S Curran, S Callanan, L McGrath, D Collins, N O’Meara.

Sub: B O’Meara for Callanan (66).

CLARE: A Fahy, M Early, D O’Donovan C Cooney, L Markham , N O’Connell (Capt.), P Kelly, C Chaplin, B O’Connell, D McMahon. J Clancy, C Morey. P Duggan, J Conlon, D Keane.

Subs: F Lynch for McMahon (51), S Golden for O’Connell (51), C Ryan for Duggan (51), P Donnellan for Keane (62), P O’Connor for Conlon (61).

Referee: P O’Conor (Limerick).

CLARE……………..0-18   CORK………………1-9

    By Michael O Connor.

    Lets, before we start issue a health warning with this game. Clare were deserving winners but could one doubt the real quality of a Cork team that surrendered meekly when asked to rise to the challenge. All that Clare gave was rewarded with a home semi final against Limerick on June 29^th as Waterford will take on hotpots Tipperary in the second last four game.

D-day for Clare minor hurling. Success would bring a summer of hurling whilst defeat would see the three in a row dream extinguished before it ever really got going and at home to boot. The heartbreaking extra time defeat at the hands of Waterford the week previous gave hope that the Claremen who had fought hard had another performance within them to test the Cork visitors to Cusack park.

The big talking point was the availability of talismanic Jamie Shanahan  with the suggestion that the SIxmilebridge would come on if required. A number of gingerly tussles before the throw in suggested a strong hours  hurling was in store. The first action of the day required a smart save from Eibhear Quilligan from Anthony Spillane that conceded a converted 65 from Michael Cahalane. Two minutes and Cork were two ahead after a free from Pa O Callaghan. The early impetus was with the rebel starlets as Clare were unable to make  any impact from play or frees. Cork who were shocked by Limerick in the quarter final rebounded to hammer Kerry  in the play off game to set up this do or die clash at Clare headquarters. The third score also from a placed ball and again from O Callaghan left Cork ahead by three with ten minutes played.

A scorching run through the heart of the Clare defence by O Callaghan found the unmarked corner forward James O Brien who pointed from 30 yards as Corks hard running was proving difficult for Clare until the end of the first quarter. Clare finally got off the mark with scores from Shane Taylor and Conor Deasy to halve the Cork lead in the space of a minute.

Clare began to settle and for the intervening five minutes were the better side but unable to score hitting a number of wides despite good build up play as Alex Morey, Aidan McGuane and Shane Taylor were to the fore. Finally in the 20^th minute Clare were on the scoreboard as Alex Morey pounced on a loose ball as Jamie Shanahan was warming up on the sideline. Cork responded with a Pa O Callaghan point after 22 minutes. A spectacular sideline cut by Alex  Morey drew a large cheer as once more Clare were only a point in arrears. The game was deadlocked minutes later as Bobby Duggan who scored (1-8) the week previous opened his account with a free out near the sideline.  Dillon Cahill won a free for Cork that was converted once more by O Callaghan. Befor the half time whistle both sides added to their tallies and there was even more action on the sideline that left Clare mentor Leo Doyle requiring medical attention following an altercation that saw Doyle more sinned against than sinned. At the break Clare were on level terms but steadily growing in confidence as now the move that would hopefully bring success was to be unveiled.

Three year county minor Jamie Shanahan was sprung from the bench and this brought the clare crowd to their feet as they sensed that this team was not for  giving in and Cork who had contacted Galway for a challenge for June  15^th were perhaps now after the opening ten minutes human.

 Star of the show for Clare was corner-forward Bobby Duggan, who amassed 0-10. The Clarecastle player remarkably struck the first eight points of the second half and his marksmanship from placed balls was flawless. Indeed four of these scores came from frees won by Shanahan as the Clare team were now firing forward with gusto now really needing to hunt for goals as the frees were coming minute by minute.

Such was the control that Clare had of the game that after the 14^th minute Clare outscored the visitors 16pts to 3pts until the 51^st minute and by then nothing less that a goal fest was going to save Cork. They managed a solitary score from play in the second half as Michael Cahalane set up Pa O Callaghan who hit the game’s only goal as the game entered the final five minutes. The last score of the game fell to Niall Deasy who with two points had a happier hours hurling than the week before when he was introduced and subsequently replaced.

Great scenes of joy welcomed the final whistle as Eamonn Fennessy’s men had fought from early season apathy to now facing a munster semi final battle hardened. They may not be as flamboyant as the 2010 and 2011 vintages but are genuine and should improve once more.

Best for Clare were COnor Cleary, Shane O Brien, Brian Carey, Alex Morey, Shane Taylor, Jamie Shanahan, Bobby Duggan, Niall Deasy, Eoin Quirke and Aidan McGuane. Corks’ best in a game that their supporters will want to consign to the back pages of history included Pa O Callaghan, Michael Cahalane, Alan Dennehy and Killian O Connor

CORK: Patrick Collins, Stephen Murphy, Killian O Connor, Alan Dennehy, Killian McIntrye, Paul Fitzgerald, Daniel Mangan,  Barry O Connell,  Kevin O Neill, John Cashman, Dillon Cahill, Michael Cahalane (0-2), Anthony Spillane, Pa O Callaghan (1-6), James O Brien (0-1). Subs: R Cahalane for Cashman (39), T Horgan for O’Brien (39), A Sheehan for O’Connell (52)

CLARE: Eibhear Quilligan, Shane O Brien, Brian Carey, Gearoid Ryan, Aidan McGuane, Conor Cleary, Eoin Quirke, David Conroy, Alex Morey (0-2), Stephen Ward, Niall Deasy (0-2), Shane Taylor (0-3), Shane O Donnell,  Conor Deasy (0-1), Bobby Duggan (0-10). Subs: Jamie Shanahan for Ward , Shane Gleeson for Conroy (50), Brian Corry for O’Donnell (61).

REFEREE: Paul Foley (Waterford).

WATERFORD…………1-20      CLARE…………………3-13

    By Michael O Connor.

    Waterford after extra time edged past a sterling display by Clare who had been written off prior to the throw in due the absence of Jamie Shanahan. Both sides over the 80 minutes plus 12 minutes of injury time had the winning and losing of the game and had a draw been the end result no-one could have complained but the visitors to Cusack Park emerged with the spoils and a place in the Munster semi final.

    The bookmakers had the home side outsiders at 6/4 with Waterford on the strength of a solid schools success as odds on at 8/13. In the last three years the counties had engaged in combat on five occasions with the Banners successful on all bar one with more importantly two of the wins being the 2010 and 2011 Munster finals.  Only two of the Clare side that won in 2011 namely Eibhean Quilligan and Shane O Donnell were available for selection once more in 2012.  For their part Waterford held four of the 2011 side with Shane McNulty, Adam O Sullivan, ace forward Stephen Bennett and Darragh Flynn available for action in Cusack Parl in the latest enthralling clash between the two sides.  Eamonn Fennessy stepped up from selector to manager with John O Meara fresh from success with the Eire-og intermediate in as coach.  Leo Doyle (Bodyke) and Kenny Morrissey (Clarecastle) were in as Eamonn’s experienced back room team.

    The first score fell to a converted free By Darragh Flynn seconds after Clare were denied a cast iron free after Shane O Donnell was fouled twice en route to the Waterford goal.  O Donnell had the clare support cheering when he finished off what he threatened a minute earlier as he blasted past Sean Barry for a truly great goal.  Waterford who were strong in the air gradually got back on level terms with two Stephen Bennett scores from play to level matters after seven minutes.  The game was held up for 6 minutes after centre forward Shane Liddy was in receipt of a leg injury that forced his retirement to be replaced by Niall Deasy.  Bobby Duggan sent over a free for a short lived Clare lead as Darragh Flynn hit the rebound to the net from Eibhear Quilligans save after Stephen Bennetts initial shot.  Waterford were now in the ascendancy and quickly added two more points couresty of Stephen Bennett and Michael Harney to stretch four clear.  Bobby Duggan had half a chance but his effort was smothered by the outrushing Waterford netminder Sean Barry after 20 minutes.

     Bobby Duggan came into his own in the last ten minutes of the half as a target man and freetaker.  He converted a 65 and two frees in a four minute period as Clare narrowed the deficit to the minimum (1-5) to (1-4) entering the final five minutes.  Adam O Sullivan, Darren Foran for Waterford and a free from Duggan before the end of first half normal time left Clare (1-7) to (1-5) in arrears as the tempo was increasing markedly by both sides with hard hits on show for the well interested attendance.  The final score of the half fell to Cathal Curran who showed Clare captain Shane O Brien a clean pair of heels as Waterford went in (1-8) to (1-6) ahead.  Clare would have been reasonably happy with their display as a strong Galway minor management contingent led by manager Matt Murphy were keen observers to see would any of the two sides in action threaten their crown.

    A powerful start for Clare at the start of the new half as Bobby Duggan flicked to the net after an astute pass from Conor Deasy set up the magpies forward.  Clare were now defying the odds in an entertaining game winning by a point three minutes into the new half.

    After five minutes without a score and three Waterford wides it was Decies wing back Kieran Power that led the way with a spectacular score from 65 yards.  Shane Gleeson came on for Niall Deasy who had been introduced in the opening half for Liddy and 17 year Stephen Ward entered the fray for Corry.  Within seconds Ward was in the action setting up midfielder Alex Morey for the lead score.  The Clare half back line was dominant as Bobby Duggan hit the post with the game entering the final quarter yet like Waterford they hit aimless wides as perhaps tiredness and nerves were setting in on both sides.  Waterford centre back Shane McNulty from a long range free levelled proceedings with the game entering the final ten minutes.  The Clare half forward line were struggling and this allowed freedom for the Decies half backs to create and this set up scores for Darragh Flynn and  Michael Harney to race Waterford (1-12) to (2-7) clear.

    A renewed bout of Clare pressure saw a free converted by Bobby Duggan as Shane O Donnell was impeded once more.  Come the hour come the man as Shane O Donnell once more took on his man and from in front of goal blasted to the net.  Clare were two up  but two late scores from Bennett set up extra time in Cusack Park.  Indeed it was to the delight of spectators that this game went to extra time but hardly for the clare team who had victory snatched from them by a resurgent decies outfit.  Alex Morey who was now at centre back set up clubmate Conor Deasy for his first score just after Shane Taylor and Michael Harney had swopped scores in the opening minutes of extra time.

    It was end to end action with marvellous first time striking exhibited by both sides but Clare were perhaps finding the going hard at midfield and  in the half forward line with cramp becoming a big issue.  Waterford finished the first half of extra time the better with scores from Bennett (2) and sub Austin Gleeson to face the second period (1-19) to (3-10) ahead.

    It was now Clare’s turn to heap on the pressure and in a last gasp effort they hit three scores as Duggan (2 frees ) and a great score from Conor Deasy left the sides level before a suspected neck injury to Shane Bennett required four minutes injury time and in this time one more score was created and it was the winner to Cathal Curran.

    Waterford packed the defence in this period and dealt with late high rallies by Clare but with Shane O Donnell unable to break free it was curtains for Clare as the back door awaited.  On a game such at this all contributed to a game for the ages and a wonderful advert for minor hurling.

WATERFORD: Sean Barry, Kieran Bennett, Tadgh Bourke, Shane Bennett, Kieran Power (0-1), Shane McNulty (0-1), Tom Devine, Conor Sheehan, Cian Leamy, Darren Foran (0-1), Micheal Harney (0-4), Adam O Sullivan (0-1), Stephen Bennett (0-7), Darragh Flynn (1-2), Cathal Curran (0-2). Subs: Jason Roche for Kieran Bennett, Austin Gleeson (0-1) for O Sullivan, Michael Kearney for Curran, Tom Tobin for Sheehan, Cathal Curran for Flynn, Jack Walshe for Leamy, William Hahessy for S Bennett,

CLARE: Eibhear Quilligan, Shane O Brien, Brian Carey, Gearoid Ryan, Aidan McGuane, Conor Cleary, Eoin Quirke, David Conroy, Alex Morey (0-2), Brian Corry, Shane Liddy, Shane Taylor (0-1), Shane O Donnell (2-0), Conor Deasy (0-2), Bobby Duggan (1-8).  Subs: Niall Deasy for Liddy (inj), Shane Gleeson for N Deasy, Stephen Ward for Corry, Aidan O Gorman for Cleary, Mark McGuane for Quirke, Conor Cleary for Gleeson

Referee: Fergal Horgan (Tipperary).

KILKENNY……….1-20     CLARE……0-14

    By Michael O Connor.

   The opening score fell to corner forward Matt Ruth in what transpired to be rather a lacklustre first half as effort was not missing on either side but still the buzz that was expected was not present amongst the crowd. The loss of James McInerney from centre back allowed the entry of Liam Markham and the Cratloe man took the chance with both hands and was one of his sides best performers. His clubmate Conor McGrath hit the first Banner score after he was upended in the 3^rd minute and repeated the feat two minutes hence after Fergal Lynch was impeded. Both sides shared a dozen wides in the first 35 minutes but without doubt Kilkenny were far more culpable from their lofty standards. Richie Power with a free and a sharp effort from play send the All Ireland champions a point clear with seven minutes played. CIT student Colin Fennelly and Sean Collins exchanged scores by the 12^th minute.

A huge free from Nicky O Connell from the halfway line and one from play by McGrath sandwiched two successful efforts by Richie Power, one a free to leave Kilkenny ahead by the minimum with 19 minutes enacted. A major let off for Clare materialised as Eoin Larkin had the ball in the Clare net but referee Alan Kelly had blown for a penalty. The resulting penalty hit by Power was saved by Pat Donnellan with the second effort sent wide. A minute later Kilkenny through Richie Power was also wide, thus a possible four point advantage  to Kilkenny disappeared.

The quality of fare on offer did not lend itself to the supporters getting involved as Clare were holding on and Kilkenny were underperforming as spectators were waiting for Kilkenny to burst into life with a succession of scores. Ironically mistakes from Clare were giving Kilkenny their best scoring chances. The last ten minutes of the half witnessed four more scores with Colin Fennelly and Richie Power from play and free on target for the champions as two points from Colin McGrath left Clare a point adrift, (0-8) to (0-7) at the interval.

Clare required goals in the second half to win. They also required the concession of as little Kilkenny goals and also a more potent threat on the Kilkenny square. The intricate passing  cost Clare at times yet the honesty of effort was upsetting a Kilkenny side that was not on operating at normal levels.

Colin Ryan after 6 passes between the 45 and 21 yard line finished the work with a fine score before Matt Ruth had the ball in the Clare net after Eoin Larkin appeared to overcarry the ball as he spun it across the Clare square. This drew down the ire of the Clare management on the match official. This appeared to upset the Clare psyche as Cian Dillon, Domhnall O Donovan and Brendan Bugler between them appeared afraid to play the ball out of defence and ended giving away a line ball. Matt Ruth who finished well, Michael Fennelly and a monstrous score from John Mulhall stretched their side five points clear after 46 minutes as Clare were unable to get the ball for the first fifteen minutes of the half past the Kilkenny half back line.

Unusually for the accurate Conor McGrath his freetaking let him down as he had three wides at crucial times in the game. Liam Markham hit Clare’s second point of the half in the 47^th minute after great work by Enda Barrett yet it was sparse pickings up front as the half forward line was unable to win ball never mind create or take chances and this resulted in the entire line being substituted. Between the 48^th and 58^th minutes seven points were added with Kilkenny sealing the game shooting five of the seven with Power (3), TJ Reid and Eoin Larkin on target. The Clare responses did little to ease the pain as Nicky O Connell and Conor McGrath kept Clare within eight points, (1-16) to (0-11) and looking impossible to score even one goal against a Kilkenny full back line that was never extended.

Both sides began to empty their benches as Power and Clare captain Patrick Donnellan swopped scores before Coljn Ryan took over the freetaking duties from McGrath and slotted over efforts in the 65^th and 66^th minutes. These scores ended Clare’s involvement with the scorekeeper. Kilkenny continued to keep ticking over with three more points in the final minutes from Michael Fennelly, Kieran Joyce and Matt Ruth as a last gasp half chance for a consolation goal by sub Jonathan Clancy was denied by David Herity.

Kilkenny move on to play Cork in only their third ever meeting in a National hurling final as Clare prepare for a June 16^th showdown with Waterford in Semple Stadium knowing that the league will be a distant memory. Best for Kilkenny included Michael Fennelly, Richie Power in patches, Cilian Buckley, Matthew Ruth,  JJ Delaney, Jackie Tyrrell, Paul Murphy, and Brian Hogan.  

 Cian Dillon was the Clare sides best player with Liam Markham also capable. Domhnall O Donovan also did well but conceded scores to Matt Ruth.  Patrick Donnellan, Colin Ryan and Enda Barrett also tried hard with little reward.

KILKENNY: David Herity, Paul Murphy, JJ Delaney, Jackie Tyrrell, Tommy Walsh, Brian Hogan, Richie Doyle, Michael Fennelly (0-2),  Cillian Buckley, TJ Reid (0-1), Richie Power (0-9), John Mulhall (0-1), Colin Fennelly(0-2) Eoin Larkin (0-1), Matt Ruth (1-3). Subs: Mark Bergin for Larkin, Kieran Joyce (0-1) for Walsh,  Conor Fogarty for Doyle,

CLARE: Pat Kelly, Domhnall O Donovan, Cian Dillon, Conor Cooney, Brendan Bugler, Pat O Connor, Patrick Donnellan (0-1), Nicky O Connell (0-2), Liam Markham (0-1),  Fergal Lynch, Sean Collins (0-1), Enda Barrett, Colin Ryan (0-3), John Conlon, Conor McGrath (0-6). Subs: Jonathan Clancy for Lynch, Aaron Cunningham for Barrett, Seadna Morey for Collins,

REFEREE: Alan Kelly (Galway)

CLOONEY/QUIN……2-12     ST JOSEPHS DOORA/BAREFIELD….1-14

    By Michael O Connor.

    Drama, tension, replays and last minute goals are the trend this current season in the various under 21 title races. Sixmilebridge suffered against Kilmaley and St Josephs did likewise against a Clooney/Quin driven on by the desire to become the first side from Spancilhill, Maghera, Dangan, Clooney and Quin to bring home a title at this age level.

At the final whistle the sheer emotion that was displayed by Clooney/Quin who at the start of the year were considered also rans was visible for all to see and experience. A number of players were unavailable and a hard working management set out wondering if a team of any substance would emerge.  Not alone did they appear they can now call themselves champions. For their part St Josephs were competitive and up for the task but lacked a skilled forward to help Shane O Connor as they also suffered at midfield moving Jarlath Colleran to man mark Duggan in the second half allowing Ryan Taylor to truly shine for most of the game.

This eagerly awaited neighbourly encounter saw St Josephs short odds 1/3 on with Clooney/Quin at 13/8 against. In county finals the unusual happens and stories of displays that were not considered beforehand. One such example is the story of Joe Clune who gathered the ball about five times over the game and in earlier rounds had little scoring record yet finished top scorer from play in the final with (1-3)

Clooney were first to strike as full forward Joe Clune made no mistake with less than three minutes action as the Barefield men were playing with the aid of a very stiff breeze. Niall DeLoughrey responded also from play for his colleagues two minutes later. Talismanic Clooney/Quin forward Peter Duggan was being shadowed by equally impressive St Josephs centre back Alan O Neill as these two giants of under 21 club hurling who were expected to be match winners for their respective sides. It was another Duggan, namely Cathal for St Josephs who scored next before Seamus Conroy was upended for a 21 yard free. Up stepped Peter Duggan and his powerful effort left spectators silent for a second such was the speed of the delivery leaving Mickey Rosengrave and his defenders helpless. In the first half with the wind St Josephs hit ten wides as opposed to two for the eventual winners with the second half aided by the elements Clooney/Quin were less wasteful with five wides and two for the Barefield men. Both sides were when tempted attempting short pucks out yet with little success on these occasions. Freetakers Duggan (1) and Shane O Connor (2) were on target by the 19^th minute and a minute later Cathal Duggan levelled matters, (1-2) to (0-5) from play. The duel between Duggan and O Neill took a new twist with the duo scoring the following five points with both sharing four long range frees and Duggan adding another from play to leave Clooney/Quin ahead by the minimum after 26 minutes. Drama visited Cusack Park moments later when a 21 yard free hit by St Josephs goalkeeper Mikey Rosengrave and a minute later a converted free from O Connor, his third in all left Josephs (1-8) to (1-5) ahead at the break.

The stiffening breeze and the threat of Duggan suggested to many that this might not be enough of an advantage for Josephs yet as it transpired it was St Josephs own malaise in front of goal that cost them not the Clooney/Quin scoring potential. Duggan and O Neill swopped scores in the 32^nd and 33^rd minutes respectively as Duggan was now roaming around the Barefield half of the field enjoying the undiluted attention of Jarlath Colleran. A brilliant long delivery by O Neill who was released from patrolling Duggan found Shane O Connor was finished a great point well. Gary Hogan replaced Shane Duggan on the Clooney/Quin side at this interval. After 43 minutes both sides had added two points apiece with O Connor, Duggan and Clune on the mark to leave Barefield looking comfortable four point leaders without playing well as Duggan could not manage to win aerial possession as he had all season. Clooney/Quin finally thundered into the game with three scores from Duggan (2) and Clune in a four minutes spell to leave St Josephs a point ahead, (1-12) to (1-11) entering the final ten minutes of hard fast moving fare.  

David Conroy who is likely to feature on the Clare minor hurling first twenty hit two points in the last ten minutes as Duggan responded from a free to leave St Josephs holding out and attacking well on a (1-14) to (1-12) scoreline. Clooney/Quin were living off scraps with as it was now Taylor who was for me the unspoken man of the match, Richie Hennessy,  Ruairi McNamara, Clune and Corry who were keeping their club in the game. One final act was yet to unfold with conclusive results for the destination of the cup. Duggan fights for the ball out near the corner. It spins across the field into Gary Hogan’ s hand. He releases a missile. It cannons off the crossbar and spins out to the corner only to be returned into the Josephs goalmouth by Corry. The ball falls to Joe Clune and the farmers son unleashed a goal that he can talk of for years to come as St Josephs fell to the ground collectively. Nearly two more minutes was played before the long whistle went and cue invasion of headquarters.

Best for the winners were Keith Hogan, Brian McInerney, Richie Hennessy, Ruairi McNamara, Ryan Taylor, John Reynolds, Peter Duggan, Joe Clune and Jimmy Conroy. St Josephs had chances but allowed Clooney/Quin to stay kicking and it told. Their best included Alan O Neill, Shane O Connor, Cathal Duggan early on, Jarlath Colleran, Mikey Rosengrave and Eamonn Clohessy.

CLOONEY: Keith Hogan, John Hennessy, Brian McInerney, Liam Henchy, Richie Hennessy, Ruairi McNamara, Daniel Reddan, Ryan Taylor, John Reynolds, Luke Harrison, Peter Duggan (1-9), Shane Duggan, Jimmy Corry, Joe Clune (1-3), Seamus Conroy. Subs: Barry Ryan for John Hennessy, Conor Clune for Harrison,

ST JOSEPHS: Mickey Rosengrave (1-0), Fionn Carroll, Brian Clancy, Darragh Murphy, Conor Lyons, Alan O Neill (0-3), Eamonn Clohessy, Jarlath Colleran, David Conroy (0-2), Leo Duggan, Niall Deloughrey (0-1), Ian Lyons,  Shane O Connor (0-6), Aaron Landy, Cathal Duggan (0-2). Subs: Donal O Halloran for Landy

REFEREE: Ger Lyons (Ruan).

Following the game County treasurer Bernard Keane and county bord na Nog secretary Sandra Reynolds, a former Clooney/Quin secretary presented the under 21B cup to Clooney/Quin captain Seamus Conroy.

Clare  0-21    Limerick  1-16

    CLARE came back from the dead to seal a sensational victory in last night's gripping final at the Gaelic Grounds. Davy Fitzgerald's battlers were eight points down in the second half but still managed to dig out a two-point victory in front of 9,897 enthralled spectators.

And sparks flew in the first half as rivals bosses Davy Fitzgerald and John Allen clashed on the touchline. Soon after, Limerick midfielder James Ryan was booked after barrelling into Fitzgerald beneath the Mackey Stand.

Those exchanges were indicative of the high stakes in last night's game -- with promotion to Division 1A the big prize -- and Clare did it the hard way, with Nicky O'Connell slotting over a stoppage time '65' before top scorer Conor McGrath popped over his 10th free of the night, and 12th point in all.

Conor McGrath opened the scoring last night with a free in the very first minute. But Dowling, who was Limerick's most impressive performer during their 1-13 to 2-24 defeat to the same opponents in the group stages, was quickly into his stride with the equalising score and he would add six more before half-time.

Limerick, without the services of forward pair Declan Hannon and Kevin Downes, as well as soon to return defender Seamus Hickey, dominated the early exchanges and with Dowling leading the way, the Shannonsiders were 0-11 to 0-5 clear after 28 minutes.

In stoppage-time at the end of the first half,  Sean Collins spurned Clare's best chance, whipping a ground-stroke wide after McGrath had created the opening by selling a couple of beautiful dummies to Limerick defenders. Ten minutes after half-time, Limerick had turned a three-point half-time advantage into an eight-point lead. Shane Dowling buried an unstoppable 43rd-minute penalty before Graeme Mulcahy and sub Seanie O'Brien added points. But Clare came roaring back with a run of seven unanswered points to cut the gap back to one. Limerick stopped the rot through Ryan in the 57th minute before Treaty shotstopper Nickie Quaid denied Clare ace John Conlon with a superb save 10 minutes from time.

Nicky O'Connell pointed the '65' before Clare sub Aaron Cunningham tied the scores at 0-18 to 1-15 with less than 10 minutes remaining.

In a remarkable finish, Clare hit the front for the first time since the third minute when the classy McGrath flashed over a superb 66th minute point. Limerick sub Seanie O'Brien levelled matters again before Clare found the crucial scores at the death.

At half-time, Limerick led by 0-11 to 0-8 but Clare would have been happy enough, having been outplayed for spells in the opening half. Clare trailed by six points on two separate occasions in the first half and managed just two points from play before the break, both scored by Colin Ryan.

Scorers -- Clare: C McGrath 0-12 (10f), C Ryan 0-3, N O'Connell 0-3 (2 65s, 1f), P Donnellan, J Conlon, A Cunningham 0-1 each. 

Limerick: S Dowling 1-7 (1-0 pen, 0-4f, 0-1 '65'), G Mulcahy 0-3, S O'Brien 0-2, J Ryan, N Moran, T Quaid, K Downes 0-1 each

Clare: P Kelly; D O'Donovan, C Dillon, C Cooney; B Bugler, J McInerney, P O'Connor; N O'Connell, P Donnellan; C Morey, S Collins, E Barrett; C Ryan, C McGrath, J Conlon. Sub: A Cunningham for Morey (51)

Limerick: N Quaid; S Walsh, R McCarthy, T Condon; W McNamara, D O'Grady, G O'Mahoney; P Browne, J Ryan; S Dowling, D Breen, C Allis; G Mulcahy, N Moran, T Quaid. Subs: S O'Brien for Breen (35+3), K Downes for Moran (h-t), S Tobin for T Quaid (41), M Ryan for Allis (61)

Referee: B Gavin (Offaly)

Clare   2-14     Offaly    0-19

Clare maintained their 100% record in the NHL with a last gasp win against Offaly fielding a new style side giving game time to fringe players and resting key men. Limerick looking on might suggest that Clare were giving Offaly a chance but this Clare management have shown that there are more reserves available this year than in others year and indeed won the game with 14 men for 62 minute of this hard fought Tullamore encounter.

The changes in the Clare team that obviously hit the radars of the major bookmakers and punters that signalled a heavy punt on Offaly into warm odds on with Clare who were favourites drifting in the betting. The story was clearcut. Clare, who were already in the final and if they lost to Offaly they would meet once again this coming weekend.  Limerick and Antrim were in action in Casement park and a win for the glensiders would result in a Clare/Antrim pairing that would surely have be the Clare choice. Should Limerick and Offaly were to both win it would favour Offaly as the scoring average favoured the faithful men. Offaly and Limerick drew when they met in round 4.

11 personnel and positional changes in the Clare side but it was the visitors to O Connor Park who struck first with Cathal McInerney on target in the first minute with Offaly’s Joe Bergin responding in the third minute after a weak clearance by Enda Barrett to level matters. Colin Ryan in the space of two minutes sent over a brace of frees after a fouls on Domhnall O Donovan and Caimin Morey to send Clare two clear

Offaly had a clear goal chance but spurned it seconds after Fergal Lynch had been sent off on a red card after a tussle with David Kenny. David Franks became the loose man for Offaly as it took until the 14^th minute for the game’s next score amid much action and it fell to another Colin Ryan free to leave Clare three points clear. This was shortlived as a poor line ball by James McInerney went to Joe Bergin who scored his second and his sides second score at the end of the first quarter. Shane Dooley playing his 50^th game for Offaly had his first score in the 19^th minute from a free to reduce the Clare lead to the minimum. Colin Ryan who was Clare’s main scoremaker had his fourth successful conversion from four efforts after 20 minutes only for Sean Ryan hit for his first score as Offaly were coming more into the game.

 Great work by Aaron Cunningham helped create a chance for Cathal McInerney that he gladly converted. Offaly were dogged in their efforts refusing Clare to build up a first half lead as Shane Dooley was successful with his second free in the 24^th minute. Colin Ryan effected great work to set up Liam Markham who was unmarked and the Cratloe man scored a great effort after 25 minutes as Clare at this juncture were (0-7) to (0-5) clear. Aaron Cunningham after a great ball from Domhnall O Donovan was on target as Alan on the sideline in an Offaly Management bib could only stand and admire his beloved. A powerful catch by Caimin Morey after a long free by Pat O Connor was ended successfully as the Bridge man under pressure from three Offaly men still managed to score to stretch Clare four clear as the home side were struggling for the previous five minutes to get past half way.

Expressive wing back Patrick Kelly who was determined to take the chance he was being offered by Fitzgerald scored a magnificent effort from a crazy angle before Shane Dooley in the 32^nd minute left Offaly (0-10) to (0-6) in arrears. Great last gasp defending by Donal Touhy and Pat Kelly denied Shane Dooley a sure goal. The last score of the half fell to a Shane Dooley free to leave Clare (0-10) to (0-7) interval lead. With Limerick winning well at Casement park it stood at this time that Clare would play Limerick in the league final. Clare introduced Brian Donnellan and Stephen O Halloran for the second half as Galvin and Morey made way.

The first score fell to Derek Morkham for Offaly before Aaron Cunningham was fouled with Ryan on target for the Banner sides first score of the new half. Derek Morkam was beginning to dominate for Offaly. Within four minutes the sides were level, (0-11) apiece after a hat trick of scores from ice cool Shane Dooley (2 frees). Whilst the standard of fare was below championship level the hits and intensity was there for all to see.  Offaly went ahead through Colin Egan for the first time only for Colin Ryan to equalise a minute late after 49 minutes as Ryan once again in league form can be clinical. Shane Dooley once again from a dubiously awarded 65 put Offaly clear but within two minutes the ball was in the net after Brian Donnellan raced on to to a Enda Barrett ball and finished past James Walshe in the Offaly goal. Clare were two clear but that was halved with another free by Dooley before Ryan doubled it again with 15 minutes left to play. The interchange between Dooley and Ryan continued as Dooley scored from play. With 14 minutes to play the sides were level (1-13) to (0-16) after another free from Dooley.

The tempo was increasing as Joe Bergin pointed a great effort as Eoin Hayes replaced Cathal McInerney as Offaly were growing in confidence knowing that Limerick were winning in Antrim with some ease. Joe Bergin was pulled down by Donal Touhy and from the penalty as Dooley let Clare off the hook going for a point to send Offaly two clear in the 62^nd minute. A lot of action with no score came for the following five minutes before the game exploded in the last three minutes. Firstly Touhy saved from Dooley. From the clearance the ball was worked to Cathal Chaplin who first timed to the Offaly net. Cathal Parlon, son of former minister Tom Parlon once more brought parity between the sides. There was still one  twist in the story and it fell to Aaron Cunningham who pointed the winner and ensured a modicum of slagging in a certain Shannon house for the coming week.

The DIv 1B league final is fixed for next Saturday evening in the Gaelic grounds against Limerick with the winner promoted to 1A in 2013 and a daunting league semi final spot against the mighty Kilkenny. Best for Clare were Donal Touhy, James McInerney, Liam Markham Pat Kelly, Pat O Connor, Aaron Cunningham, Brian Donnellan and Colin Ryan. Best for Offaly included Shane Dooley who hit (0-12), Derek Morkham, Joe Bergin (0-3), Sean Ryan, Cathal Parlon, David Kenny who worked hard, Colin Egan and Cathal Parlon.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 CLARE: Donal Touhy, Eamonn Glynn, James McInerney, Domhnall O Donovan, Enda Barrett, Pat O Connor, Pat Kelly (0-1), Colm Galvin, Liam Markham (0-1), Caimin Morey (0-1), Colin Ryan (0-7), Cathal Chaplin (1-0), Cathal McInerney (0-2), Fergal Lynch, Aaron Cunningham (0-2). Subs; Brian Donnellan (1-0) for Galvin, Stephen O Halloran for Morey, Eoin Hayes for C McInerney

Wexford 0-18 Clare 3-16 


    By Michael O Connor.